Author: Mahmud Bezalel
Imposter syndrome is that persistent, nagging feeling that you don’t deserve your accomplishments. It is that voice in your head that whispers, “You’re a fraud, and sooner or later, everyone will find out that you are not as good as you claim.” Coined by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978, imposter syndrome was first used to describe high-achieving women who struggled to internalize their success. Over time, it became clear that this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to women, as it affects people across all professions, genders, and walks of life. Safe to say, the syndrome doesn’t discriminate.
For creatives, imposter syndrome can be particularly crippling. The very nature of creativity; putting your work, ideas, or art into the world, often invites judgment, criticism and comparison. The vulnerability that comes with creating something deeply personal can make even the most talented individuals question their worth.
It’s a paradox: the more successful you are, the louder the doubt becomes.
Take the popular actress, Emma Watson, for example. Despite her global fame as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, she has admitted to feeling like a fraud, questioning whether she deserved her achievements. If someone as accomplished as Watson can wrestle with self-doubt, it is obvious that imposter syndrome doesn’t discriminate. If it can happen to Emma, it can happen to you.
Creativity thrives on exploration and experimentation, but those same traits often breed insecurity. Creatives constantly measure themselves against others, comparing their work to the polished portfolios and highlight reels they see online. Social media only amplifies this, making it easy to believe that everyone else has it figured out while you’re just stumbling along.
Additionally, creativity is subjective. Unlike other professions with clear metrics for success, a creative’s worth is often determined by opinion. A design that one person loves might be criticized by another. This lack of concrete validation can fuel the feeling of being an imposter.
How to Overcome Self-Doubt as a Creative
The first step in combating imposter syndrome is understanding that it’s not a reflection of your abilities but a universal experience. Even the greats have faced it. Maya Angelou, a literary giant, once confessed, “I have written eleven books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” Her words remind us that self-doubt isn’t a sign of failure; it is a sign that you are evolving and moving on from previous accomplishments.
Reframing your mindset will also help. Instead of seeing self-doubt as a flaw, recognize it as a companion on your creative journey. Doubt means you care about your work, and caring is what drives excellence. Start celebrating small victories; finishing a draft, getting positive feedback, or even just having the courage to share your work. Success is built on these incremental wins, not grand moments of validation, especially validation on social media.
Another strategy is to focus on your process rather than the outcome. Creativity isn’t about perfection; it is about showing up and doing the work until perfection is attained or something close to perfection. Some of the greatest artists and innovators didn’t wait for confidence to arrive; they continued creating despite the doubts and failures. Vincent van Gogh, for instance, sold only one painting in his lifetime, yet he continued to create prolifically, driven by his passion rather than external validation. Now, his paintings are globally celebrated, and his name, revered!
However, it should be noted that Van Gogh died in penury, hence the need to network with others.
Surround yourself with a supportive community. Share your doubts with fellow creatives. Talking about imposter syndrome can take away its power and remind you that you’re not alone. As Dumbledore told Harry Potter, do not be scared to mention his name. Avoiding the mentioning of his name only makes you fear him more.
Basically, the imposter syndrome should not be given the rank of he-whose-name-should-not-be-mentioned. (Light chuckle!)
Conclusively, Imposter syndrome is a universal experience, especially for creatives who pour their hearts into their work. But the very fact that you feel like an imposter means you’re striving for something meaningful.
It is okay to doubt yourself. Remember, even the most successful people once stood where you are now, questioning their abilities and fearing failure. What sets them apart is their willingness to push through the doubt and keep creating. So, the next time imposter syndrome knocks on your door, let it in but don’t let it stay. Let it know that you are in control of its presence.
You have every right to take up space, to share your gifts, and to believe in your potential.